ISO Publishes TR 12885 Aimed at Safer Manufacturing, Handling of Nanomaterials
January 9, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO/Technical Report (TR) 12885:2008 - Health and safety practices in occupational settings relevant to nanotechnologies.
The new report, which focuses on the manufacture and use of engineered nanomaterials, is based on current information about nanotechnologies, including characterization, health effects, exposure assessments and control practices.
The report provides advice for companies, researchers, workers and other people to prevent adverse health and safety consequences during the production, handling, use and disposal of manufactured nanomaterials, ISO said.
"The introduction of new engineered nanomaterials into the workplace raises questions concerning occupational safety and health that should be addressed, as appropriate, by international standards," said Dr. Peter Hatto, chair of ISO Technical Committee (TC) 229, Nanotechnologies, which developed the report.
"While such standards are being developed, it is important, through ISO/TR 12885:2008, to assemble and make available to users, useful knowledge on occupational safety and health practices in the context of nanotechnologies," he said.
ISO said the report will be revised and updated and new safety standards will be developed as knowledge increases and experience is gained in the course of technological advance.
Source: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).